Today is Friday, June 13, and here is what's happening in Southern California politics:

Headlines

PresidentObama will speak at the graduation ceremony for UC Irvine tomorrow, reports KPCC. The president is expected to fly into Palm Springs later today. "A presidential commencement address comes with strict security that might dampen the festivities that have come to characterize modern graduation ceremonies," according to the station.

The city of Los Angeles will pay $215,000 to settle a lawsuit from an African-American man who was kicked out of a public meeting for wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood, according to the Los Angeles Times. Councilman Bernard Parks called the settlement a business decision that would save the city legal fees. "This is one of those things where you hold your nose and vote," he said.

The Board of Public Works is now soliciting proposals from companies that want to bid on the new franchise agreements that will regulate garbage collection at apartment buildings and businesses, reports the Los Angeles Times. The 10-year contracts are worth as much as $2.5 billion.

Members of the L.A. Parking Freedom Initiative want the city of L.A. to cap parking tickets at $23, reports KPCC. They met with members of Mayor Eric Garcetti's staff Thursday, and they say if the city does not take steps to reform parking penalties then they will pursue a ballot measure to reduce fines.

United Teachers Los Angeles endorsed George McKenna for the LAUSD Board of Education, reports LA School Report. McKenna faces Alex Johnson, an aide to Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, in the runoff.

The Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association endorsed Jim McDonnell for sheriff, according to a press release from the group. The union represents deputies, sergeants and lieutenants in the Sheriff’s Department.

Previously in Represent!

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